Nepal’s fast bowler, Karan KC, showcased a high level of innovation during the Asian Games 2023 quarterfinal against India at Hangzhou’s Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field on Tuesday.
In the eighth over of the first innings, Karan delivered the ball from just in front of the umpire and noticeably behind the popping crease. This unconventional back-of-a-length delivery caught Yashasvi Jaiswal off guard, leading to a mistimed stroke attempt.
After failing to connect with the delivery, Jaiswal placed his hand on his hip and gazed out onto the pitch, while the commentators analyzed the unconventional approach taken by Karan.
The delivery arrived at a critical juncture when Nepal was seeking solutions after India’s strong start. Yashasvi Jaiswal was in excellent form, with Ruturaj Gaikwad providing solid support as India accumulated 84 runs in just 7.4 overs before Karan introduced the unconventional delivery.
Karan KC experiments as he bowls the ball from well behind the popping crease 👀
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) October 3, 2023
What do you make of that delivery from the 🇳🇵 lad? 😉#Cheer4India #TeamIndia #INDvNEP #Cricket #HangzhouAsianGames #AsianGames2023 #SonyLIV pic.twitter.com/A9m3qkE2Vp
Bowling from well behind the crease is an uncommon but not entirely unfamiliar tactic. In the modern era, bowlers like Kieron Pollard have occasionally utilized this strategy to unsettle batsmen.